Goodwin Family Crisis Relief Fund
Donation protected
On Tuesday, February 20, Garett Goodwin - a young man recently graduated from University of Northwestern Ohio (class of 2013 Bridgman High) - and his wonderful mom Shelley awoke to a nightmare: Their home - a home Shelley's family had owned for decades, and one that Shelley and Garett had worked on so hard to beautifully update and modernize - was succumbing to rapidly rising floodwaters.
During the night, an unseasonable sudden rise in temperatures quickly melted several inches of recently fallen snow typical of a Michigan winter. The rise in temperature turned February precipitation usually received as snowfall, into incredible amounts of rain. It was relentless. This rain, combined with rapidly melting snow, caused massive flooding. Low lying areas were quickly taken over by rising waters from nearby creeks and rivers. Roadways buckled and waters engulfed properties and homes nearby.
Unfortunately, the road and property that Garett and Shelly live on was completely under water. The walls and doors of the Goodwin Family's home could not hold back the icy cold current - and within moments, their beloved home was also underwater.
Years of memories and sweat equity were destroyed. All of their belongings were saturated. The new floorboards they had installed with loving care were now floating in cold dirty waters filled with debris.
They rose from their beds only to step into several inches of water that continued to pour through the front door. As quickly as they could, and in shock - they began grabbing their personal belongings and family treasures. Throwing everything into totes and boxes, they then began hauling them by the truck load. Everything they could drag out was taken to a storage facility several miles away.
The home is unlivable at this time. It will be several months before there can be any hope of return, and is dependent upon restoration being possible. Homeowners Insurance does not cover flood damage, and relief agencies are not an option. Any and all expenses will fall on the shoulders of a small hardworking family, who - like many of us - struggles to live paycheck to paycheck.
Currently, Garett and his mom Shelley - along with their beloved dog - are homeless. They have a temporary place to sleep, however it is very short term. They are desperately seeking housing that they can secure quickly, and that their income can afford. The added expenses will certainly be difficult.
We are hoping to help this incredible family get back on their feet and recover as best as they can. The next few weeks and months will be an immense financial and emotional struggle as they try to replace furniture, belongings and necessities along with starting the long process to repair their home, which is still surrounded by water. They will also need funds to cover alternate housing for at least the next several months or more.
We ask that you prayerfully consider any monetary contribution that you may comfortably offer to help relieve this unimaginable financial burden.
Let's get Garett and his momma sleeping in their own beds as soon as we can!
Thank you!
❤️


During the night, an unseasonable sudden rise in temperatures quickly melted several inches of recently fallen snow typical of a Michigan winter. The rise in temperature turned February precipitation usually received as snowfall, into incredible amounts of rain. It was relentless. This rain, combined with rapidly melting snow, caused massive flooding. Low lying areas were quickly taken over by rising waters from nearby creeks and rivers. Roadways buckled and waters engulfed properties and homes nearby.
Unfortunately, the road and property that Garett and Shelly live on was completely under water. The walls and doors of the Goodwin Family's home could not hold back the icy cold current - and within moments, their beloved home was also underwater.
Years of memories and sweat equity were destroyed. All of their belongings were saturated. The new floorboards they had installed with loving care were now floating in cold dirty waters filled with debris.
They rose from their beds only to step into several inches of water that continued to pour through the front door. As quickly as they could, and in shock - they began grabbing their personal belongings and family treasures. Throwing everything into totes and boxes, they then began hauling them by the truck load. Everything they could drag out was taken to a storage facility several miles away.
The home is unlivable at this time. It will be several months before there can be any hope of return, and is dependent upon restoration being possible. Homeowners Insurance does not cover flood damage, and relief agencies are not an option. Any and all expenses will fall on the shoulders of a small hardworking family, who - like many of us - struggles to live paycheck to paycheck.
Currently, Garett and his mom Shelley - along with their beloved dog - are homeless. They have a temporary place to sleep, however it is very short term. They are desperately seeking housing that they can secure quickly, and that their income can afford. The added expenses will certainly be difficult.
We are hoping to help this incredible family get back on their feet and recover as best as they can. The next few weeks and months will be an immense financial and emotional struggle as they try to replace furniture, belongings and necessities along with starting the long process to repair their home, which is still surrounded by water. They will also need funds to cover alternate housing for at least the next several months or more.
We ask that you prayerfully consider any monetary contribution that you may comfortably offer to help relieve this unimaginable financial burden.
Let's get Garett and his momma sleeping in their own beds as soon as we can!
Thank you!
❤️
Organizer and beneficiary
Stephanie Lynn
Organizer
Berrien Springs, MI
Garett Goodwin
Beneficiary
